Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins recipe

Spring is synonymous with fresh, vibrant flavors, and in our home, that means embracing asparagus season to the fullest! This Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins has become a springtime staple, and for good reason. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet the combination of tender shaved asparagus, salty Parmesan, and sweet raisins is surprisingly sophisticated and utterly delicious. Even my kids, who are sometimes hesitant about salads, devour this one. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled chicken or fish, a lovely light lunch, or a stunning appetizer to impress guests. The bright, fresh taste is a welcome change after heavier winter meals, and it truly captures the essence of spring. If you’re looking for a quick, elegant, and flavorful salad that celebrates seasonal ingredients, look no further – this recipe is a guaranteed winner!

Ingredients for Your Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins

Crafting this delightful Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins begins with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, allowing each component to shine. Let’s delve into what you’ll need for both the salad itself and the vibrant dressing that ties it all together.

For the Refreshing Shaved Asparagus Salad:

The asparagus is the star of this salad, and the way it’s prepared – shaved thinly – is key to its delicate texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for the salad base:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, thin to medium spears preferred: Fresh asparagus is non-negotiable for this recipe. Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thin to medium spears are ideal for shaving as they are more tender and easier to work with. Thicker spears can be used, but you may need to shave them a bit thicker to avoid them becoming too flimsy. When selecting asparagus, avoid spears that are limp, wilted, or have dry, cracked ends, as these are signs of older asparagus. The freshness of the asparagus directly impacts the overall taste and texture of the salad, so choose the best quality you can find.
• 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, in a block: Real Parmesan cheese, specifically Parmigiano-Reggiano, is essential for this salad. Pre-grated Parmesan lacks the depth of flavor and proper texture. Purchasing a block allows you to shave or grate it fresh, maximizing its nutty, salty, and savory notes. Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is aged for a longer period and has a more complex and intense flavor compared to domestic Parmesan. The Parmesan provides a crucial salty and umami counterpoint to the sweetness of the raisins and the freshness of the asparagus. You will be shaving the Parmesan into thin ribbons, so a firm block is necessary for easy handling.
• ½ cup golden raisins: Golden raisins offer a burst of sweetness and chewiness that perfectly complements the savory Parmesan and fresh asparagus. Golden raisins are preferred over regular raisins in this recipe because their lighter color and slightly milder sweetness enhance the salad’s overall brightness. Choose plump, moist golden raisins for the best texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with other dried fruits like dried cranberries or chopped dates, but golden raisins are the classic and recommended choice for this salad. For an extra layer of flavor, you can plump the raisins by soaking them in warm water or white wine for about 10-15 minutes and then draining them before adding to the salad.

For the Bright and Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette:

A vibrant vinaigrette is crucial to bring all the elements of this salad together. This lemon vinaigrette is light, tangy, and perfectly complements the asparagus, Parmesan, and raisins. Here’s what you’ll need for the dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is the foundation of a good vinaigrette. Choose an olive oil that is fruity and flavorful, as its taste will be prominent in the dressing. Avoid using overly bitter or pungent olive oils, as they can overpower the delicate flavors of the salad. A mild to medium-bodied extra virgin olive oil is ideal. The olive oil provides richness, body, and helps to emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the bright, tangy flavor of the vinaigrette. It adds acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil and the saltiness of the Parmesan. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice over bottled, as the flavor is significantly brighter and more vibrant. The lemon juice also helps to slightly soften the shaved asparagus, making it even more tender and palatable. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference, depending on how tangy you like your vinaigrette, but 3 tablespoons is a good starting point.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, depth of flavor, and emulsifying power to the vinaigrette. Dijon mustard helps to bind the olive oil and lemon juice together, creating a stable and creamy emulsion. Choose a smooth Dijon mustard for the best texture in the vinaigrette. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with other types of mustard like whole-grain mustard for a different texture and flavor profile, but Dijon is the classic choice for this vinaigrette.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and savory note to the vinaigrette, enhancing its overall flavor complexity. Use a small clove of garlic, finely minced, to avoid overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can use roasted garlic or omit it altogether. The garlic adds a subtle warmth and aroma to the dressing, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Salt is crucial for seasoning the vinaigrette and bringing out all the flavors. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your liking. Taste the vinaigrette after mixing and add more salt as needed to achieve a balanced and flavorful dressing. Fine sea salt or table salt works well. If using kosher salt, you may need to use a slightly larger pinch as it is less dense than table salt.
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the vinaigrette. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor; pre-ground pepper lacks the same aromatic quality. Season the vinaigrette generously with black pepper to enhance its overall flavor profile. Taste and adjust the amount of pepper to your preference.

Optional additions for your Salad and Vinaigrette:

• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds: For added crunch and nutty flavor, consider adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to the salad. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and texture.
• Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or mint can add extra freshness and herbaceous notes to the salad. Finely chop the herbs and sprinkle them over the salad before serving.
• Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
• Shallot: For a milder onion flavor than garlic, you can substitute minced shallot for the garlic in the vinaigrette.
• Honey or maple syrup: If you prefer a slightly sweeter vinaigrette, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity.

Having all these fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared and measured out will set you up for success in creating a truly vibrant and flavorful Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins! Remember, the quality of the olive oil and Parmesan cheese especially will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Instructions: Making Your Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins

Creating this elegant Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins is surprisingly simple and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute gathering. Let’s break down the process step-by-step, from preparing the asparagus to assembling the salad and whisking together the bright lemon vinaigrette.

Preparing the Shaved Asparagus:

The key to this salad is the thinly shaved asparagus, which creates a delicate texture and allows the asparagus to readily absorb the flavorful vinaigrette. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Wash and Trim Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and pat them dry. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus spears. To do this, hold each spear near the base and gently bend it; it will naturally snap at the point where the tender part begins. Discard the woody ends. Trimming the woody ends ensures that you are only using the tender and flavorful parts of the asparagus in your salad.
2. Shave the Asparagus: Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer, shave the asparagus spears lengthwise into thin ribbons. Start shaving from just below the tip of the spear and continue down to the cut end. Rotate the spear as you shave to get ribbons from all sides. Stop shaving when you reach the thicker part of the spear, or the core, which can be tougher. You should have delicate, thin ribbons of asparagus. If you don’t have a vegetable peeler or mandoline, you can thinly slice the asparagus spears diagonally with a sharp knife, although this method will produce more circular slices rather than ribbons.
3. Optional: Blanch Asparagus (for slightly more tender texture): If you prefer a slightly more tender asparagus, you can blanch the shaved asparagus briefly. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shaved asparagus and blanch for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it turns bright green. Immediately drain the asparagus and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain its vibrant color and crispness. Drain the blanched asparagus well and pat it dry before proceeding with the salad assembly. Blanching is optional, and raw shaved asparagus is perfectly delicious in this salad, offering a crisper texture.

Making the Lemon Vinaigrette:

The vinaigrette is quick to whisk together and brings all the flavors of the salad to life. Follow these simple steps:

1. Combine Vinaigrette Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Whisk Until Emulsified: Whisk vigorously until the vinaigrette is well combined and emulsified, meaning it thickens slightly and the oil and lemon juice are no longer separated. Emulsifying the vinaigrette ensures that it coats the salad ingredients evenly and provides a more cohesive flavor. You can also shake the ingredients together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid until emulsified.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference. The vinaigrette should be bright, tangy, and flavorful.

Assembling the Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad:

With the asparagus shaved and the vinaigrette whisked, assembling the salad is the final, effortless step:

1. Combine Asparagus and Raisins: In a medium to large bowl, gently toss the shaved asparagus ribbons and golden raisins together.
2. Add Vinaigrette: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the asparagus and raisins. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to overdress the salad; you want just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat the asparagus and raisins without making it soggy.
3. Shave Parmesan Cheese: Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin ribbons of Parmesan cheese directly over the salad. You can also use a cheese shaver or a sharp knife to create Parmesan ribbons. Distribute the Parmesan ribbons evenly over the salad.
4. Gently Toss Again: Gently toss the salad one last time to distribute the Parmesan cheese throughout.
5. Serve Immediately or Chill (briefly): This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the crispness of the shaved asparagus. However, you can chill it briefly in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes if desired. Avoid chilling for too long, as the asparagus can lose its crispness and the vinaigrette may become less vibrant.
6. Optional Garnish: If desired, garnish the salad with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley, or a sprinkle of extra black pepper before serving.

Following these simple instructions will guide you in creating a beautiful and flavorful Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins that is perfect for any occasion! The combination of textures and flavors is what makes this salad so special – the tender asparagus ribbons, salty Parmesan, sweet raisins, and bright lemon vinaigrette all work together in perfect harmony.

Nutrition Facts: Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins

This Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins is not only a flavorful and elegant dish but also a relatively healthy and nutritious option. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while being reasonably light in calories, especially when portion sizes are considered. Let’s delve into the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Servings: Approximately 6 servings (as a side salad or appetizer)

Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ cups of salad

Approximate Calories per Serving: 200-250 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient quantities and portion sizes).

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (per Serving – Estimated):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Protein: 8-10 grams: Primarily from the Parmesan cheese, contributing to satiety and muscle building. Asparagus also provides a small amount of protein.
• Fat: 15-18 grams: Healthy fats mainly from extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese. The type of fat is primarily monounsaturated and saturated. Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams: Saturated fat primarily from Parmesan cheese.
• Cholesterol: 15-20 mg: Cholesterol content is relatively low.
• Sodium: 300-400 mg: Sodium content is moderate, primarily from Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and added salt. Using less Parmesan and salt can reduce sodium content.
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams: Carbohydrates mainly from asparagus and raisins. Asparagus provides complex carbohydrates, while raisins contribute simple sugars and fiber.
• Fiber: 3-4 grams: Good source of dietary fiber from asparagus and raisins, promoting digestive health, satiety, and blood sugar regulation.
• Sugar: 10-12 grams: Natural sugars primarily from raisins and asparagus.
• Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is rich in various vitamins and minerals, primarily from the asparagus and Parmesan:
  • Vitamin K: Asparagus is an excellent source of Vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): Asparagus is also a good source of folate, essential for cell growth and development, particularly important during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin C: Asparagus and lemon juice contribute Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and immune booster.
  • Vitamin A: Asparagus contains Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
  • Calcium: Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, important for bone health and muscle function.
  • Phosphorus: Parmesan cheese is also a source of phosphorus, working with calcium for bone health.
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Asparagus contains riboflavin, important for energy metabolism.
  • Potassium: Asparagus contributes potassium, important for blood pressure regulation and muscle function.

Health Benefits:

• Good Source of Fiber: Promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and contributes to feelings of fullness.
• Moderate Protein: Protein from Parmesan cheese contributes to satiety.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Provides a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin K, Folate, and Vitamin C.
• Healthy Fats: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, beneficial for heart health.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Asparagus and lemon juice are sources of antioxidants, which help protect the body against cell damage and chronic diseases.
• Relatively Low in Calories: Compared to many other salads, this one is relatively light in calories, especially when portioned appropriately.

Important Note: These nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

This Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fresh asparagus and reap the many health benefits it offers. It’s a guilt-free and flavorful addition to your meals!

Preparation Time for Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins

One of the great advantages of this Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins is its quick and easy preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply want a delicious and healthy salad without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated preparation time:

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

This time can be further broken down into:

• Vegetable Preparation Time (Asparagus): 10-12 minutes
  • Washing and trimming asparagus: 3-5 minutes
  • Shaving asparagus: 5-7 minutes
  • Optional blanching (if desired): 2-3 minutes (including blanching and ice bath cooling)
• Vinaigrette Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Mincing garlic: 2 minutes
  • Juicing lemon: 1 minute
  • Whisking vinaigrette ingredients: 2 minutes
• Salad Assembly Time: 5-8 minutes
  • Tossing asparagus and raisins: 1 minute
  • Whisking vinaigrette and dressing salad: 2 minutes
  • Shaving Parmesan cheese: 2-3 minutes
  • Final toss and garnish: 1-2 minutes

Tips to Speed Up Preparation:

• Use a mandoline slicer: If you have a mandoline, it will make shaving the asparagus incredibly fast and efficient. Be sure to use the safety guard when using a mandoline.
• Prepare vinaigrette in advance: The lemon vinaigrette can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This saves a few minutes on the day of serving.
• Enlist help: If you have someone to help you, one person can prepare the asparagus while the other makes the vinaigrette and shaves the Parmesan.
• Skip blanching: If you prefer the crispness of raw asparagus, skip the blanching step to save a few minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Vinaigrette: As mentioned, the vinaigrette can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Shaved Asparagus (with caution): Shaved asparagus is best prepared fresh just before serving to maintain its crispness. However, if you are short on time, you can shave the asparagus a few hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator. It may lose a bit of its crispness over time. Avoid dressing the shaved asparagus in advance as it will become soggy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese can be shaved in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Raisins: Raisins can be measured out and kept ready.

While it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness, preparing the components ahead of time can significantly reduce the time spent in the kitchen right before mealtime. This Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins is a testament to how delicious and healthy meals can be both quick and easy to prepare!

How to Serve Your Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad

Serving your Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins is all about showcasing its vibrant colors, delicate textures, and fresh flavors. Here are some ideas and tips on how to serve it effectively for various occasions:

Serving Styles and Occasions:

• Spring and Summer Appetizer: This salad is a perfect light and refreshing appetizer for spring and summer gatherings, dinner parties, or barbecues. Its bright flavors stimulate the appetite without being heavy.
• Elegant Side Dish: Serve as a sophisticated side dish alongside grilled or roasted meats, poultry, or fish. It pairs particularly well with lemon-herb roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or lamb chops.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion as a healthy and satisfying light lunch. You can add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein to make it a more substantial meal.
• Potluck or Picnic Salad: This salad travels well and is a welcome addition to potlucks, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. Prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving if possible to maintain optimal freshness.
• Part of a Salad Buffet: Include this salad as part of a salad buffet or a larger spread of appetizers and side dishes. Its unique flavor profile offers a nice contrast to other salads.

Presentation Tips:

• Showcase the Shaved Asparagus: Arrange the shaved asparagus ribbons artfully on a platter or in a serving bowl to highlight their delicate texture and vibrant green color.
• Parmesan Ribbons as Garnish: Distribute the shaved Parmesan ribbons generously over the top of the salad so they are visually appealing and readily apparent.
• Color Contrast: The green asparagus, white Parmesan, and golden raisins create a beautiful color contrast. Enhance this by using a white or light-colored serving dish to make the colors pop.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like finely chopped chives, parsley, or mint adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• Toasted Nuts for Texture: If using toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, scatter them over the top of the salad for added texture and visual interest.
• Simple and Elegant: The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Avoid over-garnishing; let the natural ingredients shine.

Serving Temperature:

• Serve Slightly Chilled or at Room Temperature: This salad is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Serving it too cold can dull the flavors. If chilling, take it out of the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to a slightly warmer temperature.
• Avoid Serving Warm: Do not serve this salad warm, as the asparagus will wilt and the Parmesan may become oily.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Main Courses:
  • Grilled Chicken or Fish: As mentioned, it pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted chicken, salmon, tuna, or halibut.
  • Lamb Chops or Roast Lamb: The bright acidity of the salad cuts through the richness of lamb.
  • Vegetarian Entrees: Serve alongside vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf, baked tofu, or a spring vegetable frittata.
• Side Dishes:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or baguette slices to soak up the flavorful vinaigrette.
  • Quinoa or Couscous: Pair with a side of quinoa or couscous for a more substantial meal.
  • Soup: Serve as a side salad with a light spring soup like asparagus soup, pea soup, or lemon chicken soup.
• Drinks:
  • White Wine: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry Rosé complement the salad’s freshness and acidity.
  • Sparkling Water with Lemon or Lime: A refreshing and non-alcoholic option that enhances the lemon vinaigrette.
  • Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea or herbal iced tea is another refreshing choice.
  • Light Beer: A light lager or pilsner can also pair well with the salad.

By considering these serving tips and pairing suggestions, you can elevate your Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins from a simple salad to a sophisticated and delightful culinary experience for any occasion!

Additional Tips for the Best Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad

To ensure your Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins is always a standout dish, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Asparagus and Parmesan: The quality of the ingredients is paramount in this simple salad. Seek out the freshest, brightest green asparagus you can find. Look for firm spears with tightly closed tips. For the Parmesan, splurge on a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The difference in flavor between fresh, high-quality ingredients and lesser quality ones will be noticeable in the final salad. Fresh asparagus will be sweeter and more tender, and real Parmigiano-Reggiano will have a richer, more complex flavor than pre-grated or generic Parmesan. Investing in good ingredients is the foundation of a truly delicious salad.
2. Don’t Overdress the Salad: A light touch with the vinaigrette is key to maintaining the delicate texture of the shaved asparagus and allowing the flavors of each ingredient to shine through. Start by adding a smaller amount of vinaigrette and toss gently. You can always add more dressing if needed, but you can’t take it away once it’s added. Overdressing will make the salad soggy and mask the fresh flavors. The goal is to lightly coat the asparagus and raisins, not to drown them in dressing. Taste the salad after dressing and add more vinaigrette sparingly until it’s just right.
3. Shave the Asparagus Just Before Serving: Shaved asparagus is best enjoyed when freshly prepared. Shaving it too far in advance can cause it to dry out or lose its crispness. Ideally, shave the asparagus just before you are ready to assemble and serve the salad. If you need to prepare it slightly ahead of time (within an hour or two), store the shaved asparagus ribbons in an airtight container lined with a slightly damp paper towel in the refrigerator to help maintain their moisture. Avoid dressing the shaved asparagus in advance, as the acid in the vinaigrette will start to break it down and make it soggy.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning of Vinaigrette: The vinaigrette is the flavor backbone of this salad, so it’s crucial to get the seasoning just right. After whisking together the vinaigrette ingredients, always taste it and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. The vinaigrette should be bright, tangy, and flavorful enough to complement the other salad ingredients without overpowering them. Taste and adjust in small increments until you are satisfied with the flavor.
5. Consider Plumping the Raisins: For extra plump and juicy raisins, consider plumping them before adding them to the salad. Soaking the raisins in warm water or white wine for about 10-15 minutes will rehydrate them and make them softer and more flavorful. Drain the raisins thoroughly after soaking and pat them dry before adding them to the salad. Plumping raisins is especially beneficial if your raisins are a bit dry or if you prefer a softer texture. It’s a simple step that can enhance the overall texture and flavor of the salad.

By keeping these additional tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to create a Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins that is consistently delicious, perfectly textured, and a true celebration of fresh, spring flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying this delightful Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins:

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: While some components can be prepared ahead, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.

• Vinaigrette: The lemon vinaigrette can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Shaved Asparagus: Shaving asparagus should ideally be done just before serving. If you must prepare it ahead, shave it no more than a few hours in advance and store it in an airtight container with a slightly damp paper towel in the refrigerator.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan can be shaved in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Raisins: Raisins can be measured out or plumped ahead of time.

Assemble the salad by tossing the shaved asparagus and raisins with the vinaigrette and Parmesan just before serving for the best quality. Pre-dressed salad will become soggy, and shaved asparagus loses its crispness over time.

Q2: What are good substitutions for Parmesan cheese?

A: While Parmesan is the classic and recommended cheese for this salad, here are a few substitutions if needed:

• Pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a sharper and saltier flavor than Parmesan and can be used as a substitute, but use slightly less as it is more intense.
• Grana Padano: Grana Padano is another hard Italian cheese, similar to Parmesan but slightly milder and less nutty. It can be used as a good substitute for Parmesan.
• Asiago Vecchio: Aged Asiago cheese (Asiago Vecchio) can also be used. It has a nutty and slightly sharp flavor, though not as salty as Parmesan.
• Nutritional Yeast (Vegan Option): For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy, umami flavor. It won’t replicate the texture of shaved Parmesan, but it can add a similar savory element.

Keep in mind that each substitution will slightly alter the flavor profile of the salad. Parmesan provides a very specific nutty, salty, and umami flavor that is central to the recipe’s taste.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

A: Yes, you can certainly add other vegetables to customize this salad to your liking. Some good additions include:

• Shaved Fennel: Thinly shaved fennel bulb adds a delicate anise-like flavor and crispness.
• Radishes: Thinly sliced or shaved radishes provide a peppery bite and a pop of color.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved or quartered cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing coolness.
• Red Onion: Very thinly sliced red onion provides a pungent and slightly sweet note (soak in ice water for a few minutes to mellow the bite).
• Arugula or Baby Spinach: A handful of arugula or baby spinach can be added for extra greens and a slightly peppery or mild flavor, respectively.

When adding other vegetables, consider how they will complement the existing flavors of asparagus, Parmesan, and raisins and adjust the vinaigrette seasoning if needed.

Q4: How long will leftovers of this salad last?

A: Leftovers of this salad are best enjoyed within 1-2 days, but the texture will not be as crisp as freshly made salad.

• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Texture Change: The shaved asparagus will soften over time, and the vinaigrette may make the salad slightly less crisp.
• Flavor Still Good: The flavor will generally still be good the next day, but the texture will be best when eaten fresh.

If you plan to have leftovers, consider dressing only the portion you intend to eat immediately and keep the undressed salad components separate to maintain better texture for later.

Q5: Can I make this salad vegan?

A: Making this salad vegan is straightforward with a few substitutions:

• Parmesan Cheese: Substitute shaved Parmesan with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a similar textural and nutty element. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled on for a cheesy flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Most Dijon mustards are vegan, but always check the label to ensure there are no honey or other non-vegan ingredients.

The rest of the ingredients – asparagus, raisins, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper – are naturally vegan. With these simple substitutions, you can easily enjoy a delicious vegan version of this Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins!

Print